While many are wondering where the future lies for the Republican Party, there are others who say that it lies with the current Republican governors, rather than those in Congress at the moment. Because of the current Democratic majority in the House and Senate, Republican governors are the only people who can propose and implement Republican policies. Mississippi Governor, Haley Barbour, said that, "for American to see that Republican policies work, they're going to see it in states with Republican governors."
It's a pretty accurate statement overall. With the Democrats holding most of the Congressional seats, there won't be as many conservative policies passed. Because the GOP members of Congress won't be able to pass as many Republican-supported bills, the focus will then be forwarded to the Governors. It'll be interesting to see over the next four years, which GOP Governors step up to the plate. Some governors that have been talked about recently as possible presidential candidates in 2012 are Charlie Crist of Florida, Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, and most noticeably, Sarah Palin of Alaska.
Overall, the Republican party is going to have to be pretty careful over the next few years. They are going to have to make sure and keep the current Republican Congressional and Gubernatorial seats as well as maintain good publicity that will show the public that the Republican Party is what the U.S. needs for a successful future. If they gain the public's trust again, they will be back on track for a possible win in 2012.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/politics/content/shared-gen/ap/General_Election_News/Republican_Governors.html
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4 comments:
I think it will take a lot more than just Republicans holding onto their current congressional seats and keeping themselves in line to be back on track for a Republican victory in 2012. Honestly I think it is not really up to the Republicans at all whether they have a chance in the 2012 election, but up to the Democrats. Since the Democrats are now in control of the presidency, the house, and the senate, I think the next election will be about whether the country is generally satisfied with how the past four years have gone or not. Nothing that passes for the next few years can be blamed on the Republicans however, since Democrats are in control, so they will take the praise or the fall for anything that passes. I think as long as the Democrats do a reasonably good job, the country will be satisfied reelecting Obama, only if the country feels he has messed up in some way will they turn back to the Republican party, which was so soundly defeated in this election.
Also, governors do not really gather all that much national attention. The people of their governing state may think they are doing a fantastic job, but that probably would not be recognized on a national scale. I think with no majority in either house of congress or the presidency, it will be hard for Republicans to do much that will get them recognition and support on the national scale.
The GOP certainly has its work cut out for it over the next 2-4 years and beyond. First of all Gov. Barbour raises a great point about the need to focus on 2010 elections before they can focus on 2012. Current Republican governors need to acheieve some measurable success oveer the next two years in an Obama administration. Personally, I agree that the future of the GOP lies with Republican governors (although I am not sure which one). I prefer a governor over a congressman candidate 90% of the time because, it is usually proven that they can run a government on a smaller scale and they possess legitimate executive experience. As far as 2012 is concerned, the GOP probably does not have much of a shot barring a large mistake(s) by the Obama administration that causes the ideals of the public to once again shift. However, I don't believe that will happen, because it is quite possible that we have witnessed a political realignment that Winograd talks about where the Democratic Party will retain control of the White House and Congress for an extended period of time. But, as always, the door is continuously open in politics and several Obama mistakes paired with a strong Republican nominee in 2012 could lead to a reemergence of the GOP in Washington.
I am in agreement with Kara that the next potential victorious GOP candidate will be a governor. Now that the United States has moved in a very democratically left direction, the Republicans can focus their attention on searching for and preparing potential candidates for the next presidential election in 2012. In response to Annie's comment, it is true that governors often times do not generate that much national attention; however if we look back at history, arguablably the most successful GOP candidate was a governor, Ronald Regan. In order for the GOP to reclaim the Oval Office in 2012, the party must hope they come across this "Regan" type candidate, who can restore the Republican Party's image and reputation.
Annie makes a good point that the success of the Republican party depends to a large extent on the popularity of the Democrats that are currently in office. If the Democrats are widely popular over the next four years, no matter how good the Republican party improves it's image, the Democrats will most likely by voted into office once again. For this reason, it is just as important for the Democrats to maintain a good standing with the American people in order to keep their majority. Overall, both parties are going to be hard at work over the next 2-4 years trying to keep and/or maintain the appeal of the U.S. citizens. Only time will tell who does a better job.
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